Photo courtesy of Emma Knapp.
This necklace, part of a series called “Timeless Love” by Birmingham artist Emma Knapp, was made from the pieces of a broken antique watch. Knapp was scheduled to show her work at Naked Art Gallery in Forest Park as part of “Microlove,” the gallery’s annual Valentine-themed show set for Feb. 2-24.
Naked Art Gallery will celebrate Valentine’s Day by bringing back a popular exhibit and will also raise money for local causes -- Woodlawn nonprofit GraceWorks and the Parkinson Association of Alabama -- at two February events.
The gallery will present “Microlove,” an annual Valentine-themed show featuring miniature art and handmade gifts and jewelry by 50 artists, from Feb. 2-24.
“This show features a collection of tiny art in a variety of mediums, no larger than a postcard,” said gallery owner Vero Vanblaere.
Much of the work is made from recycled materials, according to Vanblaere.
At the opening reception, Friday, Feb. 2, 5-8 p.m., 100 percent of bar tips will benefit GraceWorks, which provides field trips, community projects and educational experiences each summer for inner-city youth.
Naked Art will also host a one-night show of art by Parkinson’s patients on Feb. 16, 5-8 p.m., part of Third Friday in Forest Park. Bar tips will go to the Parkinson Association of Alabama.
Vanblaere has a strong personal reason to help people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.
Her father-in-law is an early onset Parkinson’s patient, so she has witnessed the devastating effects of the illness first-hand.
However, her father-in-law, a retired art teacher, continues to draw.
“I wanted to give this courageous man and other Parkinson’s patients a chance to show their work in order to make people understand that the disease can affect anyone, whoever they are, even people who use their hands as a means of expression, like artists,” she said.
She hopes the event at Naked Art can have a positive effect.
“I feel strongly that art touches everyone, even if only to a small level,” Vanblaere said. “It also has a very powerful therapeutic effect on patients, their families and it helps bringing the attention of the masses.”
Mary Miller, Parkinson Association executive director, will tend bar and said she’s grateful to Vanblaere for hosting the event.
“Any awareness for the disease and our organization is huge,” she said.
And there’s another good reason to attend, according to Miller.
“Any time to get together and look at art and have cocktails is a fun evening,” she said.
For details, call 595-3553 or go to tonakedartusa.com.
